Automated dental unit



Oct.`8, 1968 C. wElSs ETAL 3,404,458

AUTOMATED DENTAL UNIT Filed April 12, 1965 5 Sheets-Smet 1 INVENTORSCHARLES WEISS B DLHAROLD LINN &/././7

pl/ I? ATTORNEYS Oct. S, 1968 C, wElss ET AL 3,404,458

AUTOMATED DENTAL UNIT Filed April l2, 1965 3 sheets sheet 2 INVENTORSCHARLES WEISS D. HAROLD LINN MVM ATTORNEYS Oct. 8, 1968 C, wE|ss ETAL3,404,458

AUTOMATED DENTAL UNIT 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April l2 1965 INVENTORSCHARLES WEISS D. HAROLD LIN'N ATTORNEYS United States Patent() 3,404,458AUTOMATED DENTAL UNIT Charles Weiss and David Harold Linn, New York,N.Y., assgnors to S. S. White Company, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporationof Pennsylvania p Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 309,232,Sept. 16, 1963. This application Apr. 12, 1965, Ser. No. 447,416

8 Claims (Cl. 32--22) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A portable dental unitincluding conventional handpieces and having self-contained plumbingmeans, power means, compressed gas means, suction means, wastecollection means, such that no external connections are required inorder to make the dental unit fully operative. The dental unit also isshown in combination with remote control actuating means whereby variousfunctions of the dental unit can be actuated from a distance. The dentalunit is provided with an adjustably mounted tray, cuspidor and dentallight whereby the unit is readily convertible for use in practicing-dentistry with conventional techniques or with the new time-motiontechnique.

This is a continuation-impart of our copending patent application Ser.No. 309,232, tiled Sept. 16, 1963, and now Patent No. 3,302,290.

This invention relates to dental cabinet units of the type commonlyutilized to facilitate operations by a. dentist upon a patient; and morespecifically describes a dental unit ofthe above type that will providethe ultimate assistance for the dental practitioner.

In performing dental operations, it is often necessary for the dentalpractitioner to alter the position of the dental unit or dentaloperating stand relative to the patient, or the practitioner. Suchmovements of the dental units are necessary both prior to thecommencement of the operation and often during the operation itself. Inour prior co-pending application, Ser. No. 309,232, we disclosed a unitthat is entirely movable and exi'ble and lcan be utilized duringtraditional operations as well as when utilizing the newer time-motiontechniques.

It is often difficult for a dentist to move the necessary equipment,such as the dental handpieces and the like, laterally or vertically tothe proper position for operation on the patient. Often the dentist mustdiscontinue the operation for short periods of time `and must adjust thedental units thereby lbringing the dental handpieces to the properoperating position, in order to continue the operation. For this reason,dentists often iind that assistants are necessary to adjust the positionof the dental unit relative to the practitioner.

Still further, the degree of movement of the dental units availabletoday is usually somewhat limited and the most desirable position of theunit can often not be obtained no matter what etort is utilized toattempt to adjust the same.

It is a cardinal object of this invention, therefore, to provide adental operating unit that may be utilized by a dental practitioner andthat [may be convenient to any operation, or position of the patient anddental practitioner.

it is another prim-ary object hereof to provide a unit as abovedescribed that may be freely moved as desired to the proper dentaloperating position.

Another primary object of this invention is the description of a dentalinstrument stand with automatic control s, and that will not requirephysical connection to other pieces of equipment, therefore beingcapable of almost infinite adjustment and movement.

3,404,458 Patented Oct. 8, 1.968

A still further purpose and accomplishment of the instant invention isthe provision of an improved dental equipment stand that may be easilymass-produced.

An ancillary function and accomplishment hereof is the description of adental equipment stand that will permit operating techniques neverbefore considered available to the dental practitioner in view of thelimitations of dental equipment stand designs.

A further object yand accomplishment is the provision of a dentalequipment stand that mayl be moved about with the dental practitionerand that may even be utilized in many dilferent rooms or locations asdesired.'

The above objects and accomplishments of the instant invention areaccomplished by the provision of a dental equipment stand with 'built-inautomated controls, that may beactivated remotely either Iby a suitableelectromagnetic wave system, lby a Sound system, by a lightsensingsystem or the like.

With these objects in view, the invention consists of the novelIfeatures of construction and arrangement of parts which will appear inthe following specification and recited in the appendedclaims,'reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which thesame reference numerals indicate the same parts throughout the variousiigures, and in which:

FIG. l is a view in perspective of the instant invention with a footcontroller.

FIG. 1A is a fragmentary elevational View of a dental lamp associatedtherewith and controls therefor.V

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the exterior of the unit.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational View of the unit taken from the right sideof FIG. 2, with the cuspidor removed.

vFIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the instant invention.

PIG. 5 is a sectional elevational view taken substantially along line5--5 of FIG. 2 showing the interior of the dental unit, and a dentaltray assembly which may be utilized therewith.

FIG. 5A is an elevational view of collar 351 of FIG- URE 5.

There is disclosed herein an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Thisexemplary embodiment contains in particular the following features andothers described in greater detail in the specification hereinafter.

The dental unit 10 herein shown in completely selfcontained and ismobile. Additionally, :an embodiment is contemplated that is portable.

In convention-al units of the described type, there are a great numberof plumbing, water, vacuum and suction, power and Waste connections thatare necessary. These connections are usually made through. the floordirectly under the unit or through an umbilical cord. It is primarilythese connections which result in a fixed construction which `is`adaptable only for limited usage and in connection with only one dentaloperating chair. A prime feature of this device is the elimination ofthe fixed or other connections with the perirnanent apparatus in thedental operating room. All of the power, plumbing, waste, vacuum andsuction, air, etc., supplies are selfcontained within the said unit 10.It is apparent that this will make for a more versatile unit.

The unit 10 is mounted on wheels lll or the like for movement about thedental operating room, or from room to room, or lfrom place to place.It, therefore, requires little or no expense for the dentist to changefrom one room to another, from one oflice to another, or from onebuilding to another, Plumbing, electrical connections, etc., areentirely eliminated. Additionally, dental schools and clinics willeffect great eiciencies resulting from the obvious advantages flowingfrom such a construction. Further, dental practitioners are able toconvert almost any room to a dental operating facility merely 3 byproviding a dental unit as described supplies self-contained. Y i

In'another contemplated embodiment of the invention, air jets areprovided under the unit (not illustrated). The resulting cushion of airdirectly under the unit will make unnecessary the wheels 11 and willinsure that the practitioner can freely move the unit 10 as desired.

In theprimary embodiment of the invention herein disclosed, there is nocord or other direct connection between the foot or other controller 12or the like, and the unit. It is contemplated that any remote actuatingunit 14 and sensing unit 15 can be utilized in conjunction herewith. Byway of example, electro-magnetic wave actuation coupled to the sensingunit 15 within the dental stand can be incorporated or a high or lowfrequency sound wave may be utilized or photoelectric effects may beutilized, or the like.

Thus, the controller 12 will emit a signal from the actuating unit 14which will be detected by the sensing unit 15 thereby actuating thedesired function of the dental unit 10 through suitable relays,solenoids and valves. Any number of such signal controllers may besupplied as necessary or desirable. A

Additionally, the same system may be utilized to control other devicessuch as the position of the lamp 200. The lamp 200 may be mounted formovement by drives 201 and the actuation of the drives 201 may beremotely controlled by the controller 12.

In conventional units of the type described, compressed air is usuallyavailable through the utilization of an exterior mechanical compressoror the like. The instant invention makes such apparatus no longernecessary. The conventional expensive, bulky, and ineicient compressorsare replaced by one or more of the following devices.

In one embodiment contemplated, a highly compressed gas may be containedwithin the dental unit 10. The compressed gas could be utilized tosupply the compression medium for air, gas, or the like. In theillustrated embodiment of the invention, the compressed air is producedby a small compressor 16, within the dental unit 10. A storage tank 18is utilized to store the air and minimize the size of the compressorrequired. The air compressed, and stored within the tank, is utilized inthe manner set forth heretofore.

In conventional units, it is necessary to utilize a high velocitysuction or vacuum mechanism in conjunction with some of the dentalinstruments. The instant invention provides a device for thisaccomplishment in one of several alternative manners. For example, thewell known venturi system could be utilized in conjunction with thecompressed gas to supply the desired suction or vacuum mechanism.Additionally, if required, an individual suction pump 20 can beincorporated. In this regard, it is to be noted that the same powerdevice such as motor 21, can be utilized alternately to supplycompressed gas or air and the required suction or vacuum.

Water is stored within a tank 22 within the unit and held ready for use.It may be forced to exit from the unit through the dental instrumentswhen desired, by being held under pressure of the compressed gas fromthe tank 18.

A container 24 is supplied within the unit to receive and store thesuction evacuation waste. This tank is positioned for easy removal forcleaning or replacement from time to time. The usual lter 24a isprovided to collect the precious metals in the waste for salvagepurposes.

Electrical power is provided through a rechargeable or replaceablebattery 2S. If the battery is rechargeable, the unit may beplugged inover night for this purpose.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the exterior featuresof the unit, together with the water niche 45, the dental instruments,the cuspidor 450, are similar to. that shown and described in our priorco-pending application Ser. #309,232, now Patent No. 3,302,290.

herein, with al1 I'Ri'eference" is dmade to'that specification for ac'inplete explanati01 1 Of, the, details of the exterionportions.ofthedevice except as set forth herein.

In the usual unit, as well as any of the conventional prior art, aflexible umbilical cord or rigid floor piping, connects the unit 10 tothe' plumbing, power, vacuum and suction and air supplies, as well astothe controls. The instant unit 10'A is characterized byltheabsen'cejo'f'any such connections. As previously described, the airsupply, the electrical supply, the water supply and the suction andvacuum supply, are all contained withinthe said ,unit 10.

As illustrated in the drawings, all of the above may be supplied in apack atthe bottom of the interior of the unit 10. Thus, any oftheindividual tanks or compartments may be removed for supply or cleaningas desired, or the entire pack may be removed as necessary. It isfurther contemplated that in any additional embodiment of the invention,the skin or walls of the unit 10 may be fabricated to be hollow, to actas storage space for the required water, air and the like.

It is to be emphasized that although the use of air is described and setforth throughout this specilication, other well known gases such ascarbon dioxide, nitrogen and the like may be utilized in place of thesaid air. Positioned immediately above the said tanks for the storage ofwater, air and the like is a motor 21 which may act as a power supplyfor the compressor 16 and for the suction or vacuum pump 20.

Thus, it will be seen that the incorporation entirely within the unit ofthe required air or gas, water, evacuation space, and electrical supply,will serve to permit the complete absence of the usual exible umbilicalcord or rigid piping, connecting the dental unit to the usually requiredextensive plumbing, air, power, vacuum and suction supplies.

Other advantages are obtainable from the device described herein.

For example, it will be preferable at times to provide means whereby thedental operating equipment may be moved to positions closer or even injuxtaposition to the patient. For this purpose, dental operatingextension means are provided as shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings.

As shown, a bushing 328 is provided in the top surface 322 of the unit.The said bushing 328 has an internal diameter of suficient size toreceive a shaft-like extending member 364 connected to one end of ahorizontal member 365. The horizontal extending member 365 has anopening at the opposite end thereof of sufficient size to receive asimilar shaft-like extending member. This shaft-like extending member isadapted to receive other like units, terminating in a tray 370.

At times, however, it is desirable -to mount the extending arms andtrays at elevations `lower t-han that permitted by mounting at the topof theunit 322. For this purpose, a plurality of vertically alignedbrackets are provided at one or more sides of the unit.- Each pair ofthe vertically aligned brackets 350 is 4adapted to retain a collar 351.The collar 351 in turn will-receive and rotatably support a tray 370extending'arm in the manner similar to that described hereinabove (shownin phantom). Thus, should it be necessary or vdesirable to mount thetray extending arms at a position commencing lower than the top of theunit, any pair of the vertically extending brackets 350, together withthe collar 351, may be utilized for this purpose.

It willV be of. additional interest to describe the operation andconnections of the cuspidor 450. As illustrated, the cuspidor 450 isattached by semi-rigid connections to the unit. For this purpose,lquick-disconnect couplings 451 and 452 are provided in onev or moresides of the unit to receive the waterand vacuum lines from the cuspidor450. The quick-disconnect and connect couplings 451 and 452 on the waterand vacuum lsupplies to the cuspidor 450, make possible the entireremoval of the cuspidor 450 when desired or necessary. The cuspidor 450will be heldby a goose-neck tube so as to be adjustable to any desiredposition.

All of the features'described above and the others mentioned herein areespecially important in view of the new dental operating techniquescurrently becoming popular. The newer so-called time-motion techniquesrequire extensive positioning of the dental unit about the patient. Atpresent, however, the success of the new operating techniques isseverely limited by the rigidity of the available equipment. The instantinvention for the rst time truly provides a completely adaptable andmovable unit without the usual limitations. Any of the principles of thenewer operating techniques may thus be incorporated when utilizing thepresent unit. Of course, as previously observed, the instant inventionwill provide advantages even when the more traditional techniques areutilized.

The utilization ot the remote controller 12 in conjunction with thedental unit 10, to activate the instruments on the unit, as well asother necessary equipment such as the light and the like, are of extremeimportance. The controller 12 illustrated in the drawings is la footcontroller, but it is to be understood that the controller 12 may bepositioned in lany of the usual or convenient places. For example, thecontroller 12 may be mounted on the sides or back of the dentaloperating chair, on other available cabinets, or on the walls, andfurther may be actuated by the hand, foot, knee, or head of the dentalpractitioner.

While there are above disclosed but a limited number of embodiments ofthe structure and product of the invention Iherein presented, it ispossible to produce still other embodiments without departing from theinventive concept herein disclosed, and it is desired, therefore, thatonly such limitations `be imposed on the appended claims as are statedtherein, or required by the prior art.

Having thus described our invention and illustrated its use, what weclaim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A portable dental unit comprising a movable stand, a plurality ofdental handpieces carried by said stand, said stand being provided wit-hself-contained plumbing means, power means, compressed gas means,suction means, and waste collection means, said power means beingoperable for actuating said suction means, said compressed gas meansbeing connected yto at least one of said dental handpieces.

2. A portable dental unit as in claim 1 wherein said power means isconnected to said compressed gas means for maintaining an adequatesupply of compressed gas.

3. A portable dental unit as in claim 1 in combination with a remotecontrol actuating unit for selectively actuating at least one of saidplurality of dental handpieces,

4. A portable dental unit as in claim 3 wherein a sensing unit ismounted on said dental unit for detecting signals emitted by saidactuating unit.

5. A portable dental unit as in claim 1 including a dental tray, firstmounting means carried by said stand at an upper end thereof formounting said dental tray on said stand, second mounting means carriedby said stand at a point spaced from said first mounting means, andconnection means carried by said dental tray for selectively cooperatingwith said first and second mounting means for connecting said dentaltray to said stand.

6. A portable dental unit as in claim 3 in combination with anadjustably mounted dental light, drive means connected to said dentallight for moving said dental light to various positions, said remotecontrol actuating unit including means -for controlling said drive meansto vary the position of said dental light.

7. A dental unit including a plurality of dental handpieces, anadjustably mounted dental light, drive means connected to said dentallight for moving said dental light to various positions, and a remotecontrol actuating unit for selectively actuating at least one of saidplurality of dental handpieces, said remote control actuating unitincluding means for controlling said drive means to vary the position ofsaid dental light.

8. A portable dental unit as in claim 1 wherein said dental unit isprovided with a cuspidor, and quick-connectdisconnect means Vforcoupling said cuspidor to said plumbing means and suction means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,257,936 2/1918 Russell 32--221,495,673 5/ 1924 Cliffton 32-33 2,178,089 10/1939 Walker 340-1472,345,472 3/ 1944 Goldsmith 340-148 2,427,078 9/ 1947 Tucker et al340-148 3,077,665 2/ 1963 Saltzman 32--22 3,081,542 3/1963 Sherfey 32-223,112,004 11/1963 Neaville 250-215 3,218,461 11/ 1965 Saunders et al250-202 3,280,462 10/ 1966 Deeley 32-22 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,000,466 2/1952 France. 1,259,306 3/ 1961 France.

383,805 10/ 1923 Germany.

LAWRENCE W. TRAPP, Primary Examiner.

